Former India coach Gary Kirsten is a bit surprised and sad after watching India's abject capitulation in England that led to the team surrendering the No 1 rank in Tests to Andrew Strauss's men.

"I am bit surprised with the results, but not in a negative way," the South Africa coach said. He insisted that there was no any reason to press the panic button.

"It's always difficult to understand why teams ebb and flow and often it's the intangibles that make the difference," Kirsten told ESPNCricinfo.

Having relinquished the coach's job after guiding India to World Cup victory, Kirsten admitted that it is always difficult to continue the stupendous run especially when a change of guard takes place.

"It's not easy to continue a run of success. It's difficult to reach the top and stay there. They won the World Cup, which was massive for them, but then they've had a tour of West Indies and a few injuries and maybe the hunger to win games goes down a little," he explained.

The former Proteas opener felt that it will be a must for new coach Duncan Fletcher to get accustomed with the team culture.

"When a new coach comes in, it's important that he follows on with the culture of the team," Kirsten said.

Asked about the deficiencies of this current side, which is entering a transition phase, Kirsten said the team always knew that the bowling had limitations.

"They are a great cricket team, with a great captain and one of the best batting line-ups in the world, which is why they were No. 1 but we always knew that we were bit short on the bowling side and that was something that we learnt to manage."